Inspiration: Wall Displays
Posted on August 25, 2010
One of the aspects I really love about photography is that, not only can you caputure moments in time for future generations to see, but you can also use it to create personal art pieces in your home. Paintings and stock photography have their place, but decorating your house with personal images really gives that feeling of “home” that we all strive for.
Keri just sent me the following photo of the wall collage she put together using photos from their recent portrait session at the Kiddie Park. I love the clean lines, the simple design, and the fact that it’s a real focal point in the room! This just goes to show that you don’t always have to order a huge 30×40 canvas in order to make a statement. (Although that’ll do the trick, too!) This is an easy and affordable way to display your photos and tell a story.

Keri, thanks for sending me your idea! You will be receiving a $40 Powerhouse Studios gift certificate! For more wall display ideas, check out the Inspire Guide gallery on the Client portion of our website! If you have displayed your portraits or wedding photos in a beautiful or unique way, please send us a photo. If your display is selected to be featured on the blog, you will also receive a $40 gift certificate!
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Ryan + Julie [Family Portraits]
Posted on August 9, 2010
Ryan and his two brothers are the closest thing I have to brothers. Growing up, I spent tons of time with my cousins and I have so many great memories with them. Ryan was older than me and I always thought he was so cool. I didn’t know many older girls, but I knew Julie. Her mom was my kindergarten teacher. So when my cousins moved to the town where we lived, I secretly hoped he and Julie would end up together, because she was really cool too. Well, lo and behold, these two started dating as Freshmen in high school and have been together ever since, and they have a beautiful family! It was so fun being able to photograph their family and spend time laughing and having a good time. Ryan and Julie, I still think you’re super cool. So glad we’re family!






This is what happens when you play Hannah Montana on your iPhone on a shoot!



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Heather + Chris [Family/Maternity Portraits]
Posted on August 7, 2010
I’ve known Heather and Chris for a long time now, and I was so excited several months ago when I ran into her at Barnes and Noble and found out they were expecting baby #2! We got together a few weeks ago to document this special time in their lives. I can’t believe how big sweet baby Catie is now! I can tell she’ll be a great big sister! Look for pics soon of the new baby.






The Cottingham Family [San Antonio Portraits]
Posted on July 9, 2010
It’s official. The Cottinghams broke the record for largest family portrait I have ever done. I’ve gotta say though, that they are one of the coolest families ever. Truly. We had a good time out at the Tea Gardens, and it was fun getting a little glimpse of what it’s like to be part of a big family. Not only is their love for each other inspiring, but their love for others in general. I didn’t realize until we got them all together, but I’d crossed paths with several members of their family over the past year or so at my daughter’s school and their kindness always stood out to me. Come to find out, they’re all part of the same awesome family.
To the whole family, thank you for allowing me a glimpse into your family and for trusting me with your family’s portraits! I had fun!
Breanna




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Displaying Family Photos
Posted on July 8, 2010
It’s no secret that I adore magazines. Every time I open one, no matter what the topic, it feels like Christmas. I’m weird, I know.
Imagine my excitement when I got a new magazine in the mail today and opened it up to find this amazing article about displaying family photos in your home! It’s an amazingly helpful article with beautiful photos and ideas. Check out the August issue of Family Circle to see it for yourself.

For more ideas, you can also check out our Inspire Guide! There are 25 different display options with sizes and layouts for all different rooms. Find the Inspire Guide here at http://powerhousestudiosclients.com/RedCart/index.php?gnum=102.
Also, if you (or a friend) have beautifully, artfully, or creatively displayed photos in your home, send me a photo! I’d love to feature it on the blog!
Hope you have a great week!
Breanna
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Timelessness
Posted on July 1, 2010
I love the rain. Yesterday Abby was sitting in my office with me, and even she was quiet as we listened to sound of the raindrops hitting the windows. Such peace. At some point, I turned to say something to her and I saw this. Couldn’t resist grabbing the camera. I love capturing moments like this. It’s just so her. Every time it rains, even if she’s not going outside, she puts on that raincoat. I think it’s cute. I love pictures like this because it’s going to mean something to me, still, in 10, 20, and 50 years.

I was lucky enough to get another timeless photo earlier this month… this one of my son at a baseball game. It wasn’t planned, and I only had a tiny part in posing him. (Ha ha… I couldn’t help it!) As a mother who knows her son, his smile is so sweet and natural (I can almost hear his little giggle), and the dirty baseball hat about says it all. I know that we’re going to treasure this photo forever.

I say all this, not as a photographer, but as a mother. For me, this is what photography is all about… about capturing the essence and the story of a person or family. It’s not just about having something neat to show friends, but about memories, legacies, and stories.
Forgive me, I am becoming a little mushy and nostalgic. But then I think we all should be now and again.
What would that timeless photo be for you? Who is in it? Where are they? What are they doing?
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Thank You… and a Pic for Fun
Posted on May 18, 2010
Hello, everyone! Wow, life has been positively insane around here the past few months. In addition to having lots of portraits and wedding season starting up again, we’ve moved to a new house… which has all been so awesome and fun! And exhausting.
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you who have been so kind and patient with me when things have taken a little longer than usual to get together. I’m finally catching up on everything and I’m so glad to be getting “back to normal” (whatever that is)! Please let me know if you need anything. I’m looking forward to a great summer! (Can May really be coming to an end already?!)
Had a great session last week with some fabulous clients that I did portraits for last year, and thought I’d put up a little sneak peak of their McNay family portrait session. Bear is a very special member of the family who got to come along for pictures. (I love when kids bring things that are such a huge part of who they are. It adds such a personal touch to the portraits.) Had a lot of fun with this family! I was getting ready to photograph a big group shot when I looked over and saw that dad had set this up, and I just had to get it. This picture makes me laugh.
I’ll have more (real) previews up soon!

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Keri and Ryan [Family + Maternity Portraits]
Posted on April 24, 2010
It wasn’t very long ago (or so it seems) that I met Keri for the first time, and we shot her very first maternity portraits just before her little boy was born. I was so excited when she called me recently to let me know that she was expecting again, and she really wanted to do pictures again. This time, not only to document this pregnancy, but to capture their family at this very special time. Riggs is at such a sweet age, and this is the last time that there will only be three of them. In four days, their sweet baby girl will be arriving, so Keri planned a special family day for the three of them today and asked if I would come along to document. We had so much fun at the Kiddie Park, and it was so cool to be able to be a part of this small moment of their family’s history. Here are a few previews I thought I’d share from the day…
Isn’t she gorgeous?! Why didn’t I look that good when I was pregnant?!





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Barb + JD [Family Portraits]
Posted on April 23, 2010
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve updated the blog. It’s not that I’m short material… I have a long list of shoots to post. If you’ve been following me on Facebook or know me at all, you know that lately our time has been spent, packing, moving, unpacking, AND a trip to Dallas for a couple shoots. It’s been a very busy and eventful few weeks, and I’m ready for things to slow down a little around here!
I am excited, though, because next weekend begins wedding season around here! I can’t wait! So stay tuned over the next few weeks…
In the mean time, I wanted to share another family portrait session with you. Barb and JD are an amazing couple who are fun, smart, and laid back. Last time I took their pictures, Morgan was just a baby, and I just couldn’t believe how much she’s grown. They’re such a precious family. Here are a few previews of their mini session.



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Nick + Colleen [Family Portraits]
Posted on April 7, 2010
Nick and Colleen are an awesome couple. They are fun, kind, hospitable, always laughing, and they adore eachother and their kids. Could their family be any more adorable? Oh, and they have one more beautiful baby on the way! I had so much fun Saturday morning hanging out with their family and playing with their kids while we took pictures. Here are a few previews!



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